Sean Dolan, the diocese’s communication director, said that a pastor’s time in a parish is rarely extended past two terms. In the rare circumstance when a parish is in the midst of a church or school reconstruction during a pastor’s second term, he explained, the term can be extended so the pastor can oversee its completion. But since that isn’t the case at OLP, Dolan said, he doesn’t foresee any extension of Breslawski’s term. The reason for the policy, Dolan said, is to allow pastors and parishioners to have new experiences.

Breslawski told the Herald that he respects the policy. “It has been a tremendous honor and blessing to minister with the wonderful people of Our Lady of Peace,” he said. “I wholeheartedly support the policy of the diocese that pastors be moved after 12 years. I look forward to serving wherever the bishop and the Priest Personnel Board feel that I can be of some help.”

Barbara Vensky, an OLP parishioner for 57 years, said that Breslawski’s sermons stay with her because they’re so meaningful, and she, too, wishes he could stay. “It’s not enough to say OLP wants to keep Father Bill,” she said. “OLP needs to keep Father Bill.”

Carol Burak said she was sad to hear that Breslawski would be reassigned in June, adding that he is great with people. “He’s a role model for so many people in the village and in the church,” said Burak, an OLP parishioner for 45 years.

In January, Breslawski published a letter in the OLP bulletin informing parishioners of his move. “We pray for God’s guidance as our next pastor is chosen,” he wrote. “The beautiful people of Our Lady of Peace are very close to the heart of God, and I am absolutely certain that God is going to take good care of you. You’re overdue for an upgrade.”

According to Dolan, the Priest Personnel Board is discussing the feedback from the February meeting at the church, and will make a recommendation for a new pastor to Bishop William Murphy, who will make the choice. Dolan added that new pastors will take over at parishes across Long Island in mid-June, and will be announced well before that.